Rethinking the grid

The building, featuring a basement and a raised ground floor of a total 2,000m², was originally designed as a cosmetics factory by the architectural firm of Alexandros Tombazis between 1967 and 1970. Following the relocation of the chemistry and production facilities, the premises in Paradisos Amaroussiou underwent a complete renovation to accommodate the company’s offices.

 

Architectural Morphology

The structure is made of exposed concrete and features distinctive architectural elements that form a unique language with a clear framework and potential for expansion. It is organized into a grid of 25 squares, each measuring 7x7m, subdivided into four 3.5×3.5m sections, with 2m transition zones between the squares. These create clusters of columns and a system of beams that form concrete false ceilings in section, which may have been intended for all electromechanical installations; in practice however, they were implemented differently.

 

Interventions in the Existing Structure

The primary focus of the design is to preserve and highlight the building’s history as an industrial space. All interventions -such as the removal of additional elements, the separation of functions, and the installation of new electromechanical systems and lighting- were carefully executed to complement the integrity of the reinforced concrete structure. To achieve this, a system of wooden blinds is introduced to cover all the transition zones, serving as a sound-absorbing, removable suspended ceiling. Above this, the air conditioning and ventilation systems are routed.

Nevertheless, the “deep floor plan” of 45x45m and the lack of natural light and ventilation in the central area made it challenging to utilize the entire ground floor for primary functions. To address this issue, an atrium was created in the central “eye” of the grid. The roof slab over the four central facades is removed, glazing is installed on all sides, and a 7x7m garden is established at the heart of the building.

 

Functional Organization

The functional layout is organized using a concentric circle approach, with the most private spaces positioned along the outer perimeter and the more social located near the atrium. The perimeter areas contain closed offices as well as the distinct company departments, either individually or in small groups of up to six people. Glass partitions are used to maintain visual continuity across the floor plan. Enclosed meeting rooms and open spaces for informal cross-departmental collaboration are situated in the central areas surrounding the new atrium. On the lower level, the former factory locker rooms and dining areas are converted into a gym and relaxation zones.

 

Materials, Furniture & Lighting

For the lighting, circular LED luminaires with adjustable intensity are installed in the locations originally designated for switches, which are never implemented. The system is activated by presence detectors for a more energy-efficient operation. The textures of exposed concrete and uncoated decorative brickwork on the vertical infill surfaces are contrasted with the glossy horizontal floor surfaces, featuring Aliveri marble at the entrances and epoxy paint in the circulation areas. High sound-absorbing woven vinyl is installed in the work areas to enhance acoustic insullation.

The architects designed the desks and conference tables using birch plywood and metallic carbon fiber frames, keeping in line with the proportions and philosophy of office design principles. Minimal lacquered surfaces in bold primary colors add visual interest, while houseplants and Scandinavian-style furnishings complete the material palette. The next phase will include the installation of signage, bioclimatic architectural elements with adjustable blinds on the façades, roof planting, and a photovoltaic system in the southern section.

Local materialities

In Plaka, one of the oldest districts in Athens, an apartment on Lempessi Street is renovated, blending modern aesthetics with traditional references and materials. This two-bedroom apartment, situated on the first floor of a typical post-war building, showcases a harmonious fusion of contemporary design and historic charm.

 

Interior Layout

The floor plan features an open layout centered around a main area that includes the living room, kitchen, and entrance. This central space is connected with the two bedrooms and utility rooms, enhancing the apartment’s ergonomics. Every room has access to a balcony, allowing seamless transition to a semi-outdoor living area.

 

Material Palette

The selection of colors and materials respects the traditional Athenian houses of the area and earth tones and textures are used throughout the interior. In the open-plan area, light terracotta ceilings complement off-white walls and ceramic tile floors. The entrance wall is clad with reclaimed old bricks sourced from material yards. The kitchen, designed with traditional elements, features a modern cooking area and a distinctive dining table.

The floor is covered with wood, while the walls are painted in soft tones, creating a warm atmosphere. The two bedrooms and bathrooms follow a cohesive design approach, each utilizing different ceramic tiles in various colors, shapes, and patterns to distinguish the spaces from one another.

 

Decorative Elements

A divider made of perforated ceramic elements with triangular patterns separates the kitchen from the living room while maintaining a visual connection. Wooden doors with black metallic fixtures, handles, and faucets contribute to a modern aesthetic, creating a contemporary home that references the region’s historical past.

Colorful displays

The project features a 90m2 apartment, located at the heart of the city, which was renovated to meet the everyday needs of its residents, while preserving and highlighting the original characteristics of the property.

 

Layout Organization

Apart from housing the traditional residential functions, the apartment had to become reconfigured to display and store the family’s records and books. An open-plan layout combined with a series of lightweight, open furniture -instead of traditional wooden cabinets- accommodate all the collections, while providing a more fluid and looser aesthetic.

 

Custom Furniture

Key parts of the wall are demolished, uniting two separate rooms and creating a nook for a new storage closet. In parallel, the master bedroom is integrated with the bathroom, providing a more efficient circulation route as well as ample space for the collection displays. Walls and dividers are interrupted by asymmetrical openings that serve as visual connections between the spaces, holding at the same time irregular display shelves.

 

Color & Material Palette

A series of natural materials such as exposed concrete and wood, are used throughout the space. At the same time, different colors and patterns define different accent features such as the metal orange frames and red shelves, creating vibrant moments within the apartment. Finally, the entrance and kitchen floors are cladded with a blue porcelain floor, which serves as a discrete boundary within the open floor plan.

Geometric contrasts

The project involves the complete reconfiguration of a 95m² apartment situated on the fourth floor of a typical 1970s Athenian building. The residence comprises of a separate kitchen and living room, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms.

 

Layout Organization

The architectural design aims to create distinct zones for public and private use. The floor plan is organized into clear zones, since the kitchen and living area as well as the private bedroom zone are clearly defined. The master bedroom is ensuite, while both feature a walk-in closet.

 

Custom designs

One distinctive element is the dividing wall between the living room and the kitchen. It features a combination of a solid section and metal vertical louvers, establishing a visual connection between the two spaces. On the side of the living room, it also serves as TV furniture. Hidden lighting is incorporated into most of the furniture in the apartment, highlighting the intricate design.

 

Material Palette

The apartment’s design focuses on the interplay between the thoroughly considered forms and geometries and the careful selection of materials and textures, creating a series of distinctive aesthetics within a minimal space. The extensive use of metal contrasts with the natural wooden flooring, while the off-white tones and dark elements introduce a variety of material textures and atmospheres within the space.

Contrasting materialities

The residence is located in Valencia’s historical district, close to the river Turia’s park. The building dates back to the 19th century, occupying a distinct corner and comprised of two main facades as well as an interior courtyard filled with trees.

 

Design Philosophy

The project aim is to visually connect the different interior spaces, creating a series of continuous circulation routes. The residence is organized in two main volumes with views towards the city’s dense urban fabric as well as the serene interior courtyard. The new architectural elements compliment the preexisting construction, further exposing the original structure.

 

Contrasting Elements

The design introduces a complex materiality, painting the original solid walls and foundations in an abstract, white matte finish and making the space permeable to natural light. In contrast, the new elements are designed in a more contemporary and refined approach. More specifically, the flooring and custom-made cabinetry provide functionality, emanating a warm ambiance.

 

Material Palette

A natural material palette enhances the building’s traditional character through a series of carefully selected textures. Oak veneer is used for the different furniture pieces, while the floor is made of terracotta tiles. Finally, brass is used for various accent elements such as kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

Creative reuse

The project involves the restoration of a deteriorated traditional residence in the settlement of Kastelorizo, which has suffered significant damage, primarily from WWII bombings. The masonry foundations were the only elements that were preserved.

 

Building Restoration

Based on the footprint of the original floor plan as well as old photographs taken before the settlement’s destruction, the building was restored to its original architectural volume. The refurbishment also included the resurgence of previous typological features of the façade, such as the design of the openings, the roof structure, and the exterior facade. Due to the lack of sufficient original elements, the internal configuration was adapted to serve the needs of its new use as a modern holiday home. The house is developed in three levels, with a total area of 100 m2 on a plot of 105m2.

 

Layout Configuration

The ground floor features a kitchen that leads directly into a courtyard, which includes an outdoor sitting area, storage space, and a wc. Both the mezzanine and first floor contain a bedroom with a private bathroom, offering panoramic views of the settlement. The holistic design approach, encompassing both fixed and mobile equipment, is set against a neutral white canvas. This design incorporates elements made from recycled materials, clearly referencing traditional furnishing patterns.

 

Reuse Initiative

Visitors experience a “primitive” lifestyle, highlighting the issues of overproduction and the need for reuse in an age of rapid development. This project represents the first conceptual and experimental interior design work by artist-designer Savvas Laz.

Using the “Trashformers” method -a creative, multi-level process characterized by uniqueness and manual practice- the project includes stages of collection, composition, sculpture, and finishing. The process begins with selecting pieces of expanded polystyrene packaging collected from garbage bins found in the streets of Athens. These pieces are then assembled into a collage and coated with fiberglass and resin. Alongside these compositions, architectural elements are constructed from brick, concrete, or metal, maintaining the “Trashformers” aesthetic. This approach harmoniously balances tradition with the reuse and recycling of new materials and old motifs.

New hospitality experience

The project is a reconstruction of a historic hotel from the 1950s, located in the northern suburbs of Athens, and aims to create a new hospitality experience. Nestled in the lush green Kefalari Grove, the building is architecturally characterized by its geometric appearance and the austere style it exudes, which is set against its rich and colorful interior.

 

Renovation Approach

The redesign challenge began by removing several structural elements as well as the façade and strengthening the load-bearing structure. By eliminating structural elements, it opened up opportunities for design freedom, ultimately striving to create functional floor plans. The hotel’s orientation, its size as well as the vertical white blinds of the façade, contrast with the dark repetitive symmetrical balconies and create a vertical geometry that visually elevates the building’s volume.

The ground floor acts as an autonomous zone, suitable for hotel guests and external users alike, offering many entertainment and catering areas. Parallel to the street, an overhead canopy covers as well as marks the entrance. Upon entering the hotel, a careful combination of colors, elements, shapes, and original works of art, along with furniture from different eras and cultures, effectively communicates the eclectic personality of this building.

 

Material Palette

Using an abundance of fabrics and textures -with velvet being the predominant material, emanating a sense of nostalgia- the lobby is characterized by a bold color palette flooded with intense natural light that penetrates the ground floor’s perimeter. A large, central core on the ground floor, cladded in walnut wood and elegantly sculpted into a gentle curve, serves as the main orientation axis, directing visitors to the different spaces.

 

Interior Design and Organization

The interior design focuses on the “parallel” activities taking place in the hotel. All the ground floor spaces accommodate a plethora of uses and offer different experiences. The new restaurant, a semi-open-air Parisian bistro, and a special library housing some of the most important art publications are spaces used for business meetings or relaxation during the day. The design objective for each space is to create an atmosphere that triggers memories and unique experiences for the visitor.

A 1950s spiral staircase leads to the 28 rooms and suites on the upper floors. While ascending, a vertical glass window extends along the height of the rear elevation, offering a unique view of the natural area surroundings. The carefully lit corridors of the floors leave a sense of mystery, while the rooms are divided into five different typologies based on five distinct material palettes, colors, and tailor-made elements.

 

Custom Furniture

From the bed headboard to the open-concept wardrobe and bathroom amenities, all rooms feature custom-built wood furniture joined with brass metal fittings. On the roof, a wine & cocktail bar with a panoramic view becomes a destination for guests and external visitors, offering them a sense of being among the treetops. This flexible space works all year round, even during the winter, since a fully transparent enclosure enables its use without obstructing the view.